Crystal Palace man makes big decision

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur has retired from international football.

The 31-year-old ruled himself out of Scotland’s friendlies against Peru and Mexico in the summer due to a back injury.

“I have debated long and hard about this decision and I feel the only way for me to be able to maintain my fitness in order to continue to play at the top level is to retire from international football,” said McArthur.

“I have found it increasingly difficult over the last year to manage a number of physical issues.”

Scotland manager Alex McLeish said: “We will miss James, but we fully respect and understand his need to manage his body as he approaches the latter stages of his career.

“I know that James had his heart set on reaching the coveted 50-cap mark, so for him to retire from international football must have been an extremely difficult decision to make.”